LPGA’s Natalie Gulbis Calls PTs ‘Huge Part to Our Success’

Now in her 12th season on the LPGA Tour, golfer Natalie Gulbis believes that daily in-season treatment by physical therapists (PTs) played a major role in her ability to stay in the game for so long. “I don’t know how long my career would have been" without physical therapy, Gulbis told Move Forward Radio this week. “I don’t want to think about it.”

Gulbis credited laser surgery on her back for saving her career in 2010, but she cited treatment by PTs as a key component in battling the ongoing physical demands of the LPGA Tour.

In the Move Forward Radio interview, Gulbis described the transformations she has witnessed as golfers unsure of their ability to play in a tournament receive physical therapy that allows them to participate and even thrive. "I’ve seen them win," Gulbis said. "I’ve seen them play well. And here they were earlier in the week not sure if they could even swing a golf club. So [physical therapists] are a huge part to our success.”

Gulbis was joined on Move Forward Radio by Al Casini, PT, who has treated Gulbis and other professional golfers.

Gulbis called her relationship with Casini “a great partnership” and made it clear that her interest in fitness and health goes far beyond golf. “I do a lot of different active sports,” Gulbis said. “I want to make sure that I keep my back strong because I only get one back for my life, so I want to keep it healthy.”

Move Forward Radio airs approximately twice a month. Episodes are featured and archived at MoveForwardPT.com, APTA's official consumer information website, and can be streamed online via Blog Talk Radio or downloaded as a podcast via iTunes.

APTA members are encouraged to share this episode via social media and to alert their patients to the Move Forward Radio series and other MoveForwardPT.com resources to help educate the public about the benefits of treatment by a physical therapist. Ideas for future episodes and other feedback can be e-mailed to consumer@apta.org.